April 13, 2020 -- At a time when many health systems are turning to community partners for support, the American Cancer Society steps in to offer housing for health care workers unable to go home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In March, the American Cancer Society (ACS) made the heartbreaking decision to suspend the program that offers housing to cancer patients at more than 30 Hope Lodge facilities across the country, including the Memorial Foundation Hope Lodge in Nashville. After consultation with medical experts and CDC guidelines, ACS recognized it was no longer able to ensure patient safety as the coronavirus continued to rapidly spread across the country. ACS is adapting to keep pace with the escalating impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which has created a shortage of resources at hospitals and other healthcare systems. With now-empty rooms at our Hope Lodge facilities, ACS recognized a need that could be filled by offering its facilities, which include more than 1,174 beds to health care workers during the crisis.
In Nashville, ACS is partnering with Vanderbilt University Medical Center to provide 40 rooms at our local Hope Lodge. To donate to the American Cancer Society COVID-19 Hope Lodge Fund to provide housing for health care workers, visit cancer.org/hopelodgefund.
"This pandemic is going to have many making very difficult decisions. For us, suspending our Hope Lodge program was agonizing, but the dangers are too great for our immunocompromised residents," said Wayne White, Executive Vice President of the American Cancer Society. "We appreciate how our valuable partners are critical in managing the impact of COVID-19 on the community and on our patients. My daughter is a physician on the frontline, so I am personally very proud that we are making this commitment to support those who are working day and night to heal those in need. It is the right thing to do for cancer patients, our communities and our mission."
"We are extremely grateful for the American Cancer Society's support during this pandemic by offering our healthcare workers a free place to stay that is close to our facilities. This generous offer helps ease their emotional and financial burden at a time of significant stress," said John Howser, Chief Communication Officer for Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Cancer hasn't stopped, and neither has the American Cancer Society
Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, the American Cancer Society continues to be available, 24/7 as an invaluable resource for providing most accurate, up to date COVID-19 information at a time when cancer patients are more vulnerable than ever. "Nearly 80% of our incoming calls to our National Cancer Information Center are related to COVID-19," stated White. "We have also moved many of our programs to a virtual platform, including Reach To Recovery, Cancer Survivors Network, Springboard Beyond Cancer, Personal Health Manager, "tlc" - Tender Loving Care®, Caregiver Video Series and Patient Navigation."
Those looking for resources can reach the National Cancer Information Center around the clock through the toll-free number, 1.800.227.2345 or find additional information, including how to give at cancer.org.
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 1.5 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and cancer.org/Tennessee.